The Story So Far

The Story So Far

Welcome to Bertie’s Nursery. I’m Claire Akhurst, its’ owner and leader, and I’d love to tell you a bit more about myself and the Bertie’s story so far…

I’ve worked with children since I left college in 1988 with my hard-earned NNEB qualification. Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to work in a variety of Early Years settings including nurseries, a reception class and as a nanny. This gave me a lot of valuable experience and left me wanting to own my own setting where I could be true to my ideal of a child-centred, reflective and principled approach.

My dream came true…after running Bertie’s for ten years at another local primary school, we moved to our present location in November 2010. We have a wonderful clean, bright, natural and airy purpose- built nursery with an outside space that we’ve lovingly developed with the children in mind. I often have a contented and satisfied glance around as I leave each day. But it’s not just about the building…
I believe in an unhurried childhood that is important in its own right, as well as a firm foundation for the future. I have two children of my own and know just how quickly the years fly by. I feel that children learn best when they are supported in their interests by attentive and enthusiastic adults in an interesting and challenging play environment, inside and out. I also know that when children feel safe, settled and secure somewhere then they make the most of all the learning and development opportunities they are surrounded by - the well-being of each child is a crucial starting point at Bertie’s.

As well as my many years of experience, I also graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2011 with a First Class Honours Degree in Early Years Studies (with Early Years Professional Status), which I studied for alongside working at Bertie’s. This qualification has undoubtedly made me a more knowledgeable and reflective practitioner and confirmed that I still love working with children.

Ofsted have judged us as ‘Outstanding’ at our four most recent inspections – July 2007 and May 2010 (as Bertie’s Playgroup) and January 2011 and June 2017 (as Bertie’s Nursery). Myself and my staff team are firmly committed to ensuring that Bertie’s is the best it can be every day for every child and their family.

Well, that’s a bit about Bertie’s so far but that’s just the beginning…come and take a look.
Share by: